Nano-SiO2 combined with a surfactant enhanced phenanthrene phytoremediation by Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of Triton X-100 (1000 mg kg(-1)) and nano-SiO2 (500 mg kg(-1)) on Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers. grown in phenanthrene spiked soil (150 mg kg(-1)) for 60 days. Results show that untreated groups, groups treated with both Triton X-100 and nano-SiO2, exhibited better phenanthrene degradation rates and improved root biomasses, chlorophyll contents, and soil enzyme activities. This study demonstrates that Triton X-100 combined with nano-SiO2 protects plants, alleviating the stress of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and can provide a means for improving phytoremediation of PAH contaminated soils.